Deep Wizardry
by Diane Duane
The (a) story follows Kit and Nita, who have been best friends ever since they both read from a mysterious book entitled So You Want to Be a Wizard, and started off on a journey into a secret world of magic, spells, and an eternal battle between the forces of good and an evil entity known as the Lone Power. With summer in full swing, the kids are looking forward to a lengthy vacation on Long Island: sand, sun, and no life-or-death situations whatsoever.
But when Kit and Nita come to the aid of a wounded whale, they are inevitably thrust into an ancient, deep-sea ritual known as the Song of the Twelve. Their task seems simple enough, but the Song demands much from its participants, and there is always blood in the water by the time it reaches its conclusion.
The Powers are calling on Kit and Nita once again, and this time it looks like one of them may not come out alive.
The (A) story is about sacrifice. Both in a very literal sense, as well as a figurative sense. Kit and Nita have a secret life, which often means sacrificing time with family and friends for the sake of something greater than themselves. Even their own power is frequently given and taken throughout their journeys, willingly exchanged in order to produce a desired result. Wherever magic is concerned, sacrifice plays an important role in maintaining the balance between forces, and as wizards this is something Kit and Nita understand all too well—especially as the Song of the Twelve plays out.
But the (A) story is also about growing up, and the rifts that inevitably begin to form between parents and their children as they develop their own lives and sense of self. As mentioned, Kit and Nita are leading double lives: one as ordinary kids, and one as experienced wizards. And while the wizards are responsible, intelligent, and completely capable of taking care of themselves in even the most unimaginable of situations, the kids are still expected to rely on their families for survival. Obviously, this puts them in a number of awkward positions, especially when they disappear all day and consistently miss their curfew.
I first read this book in elementary school. It is actually the second book in the So You Want to Be a Wizard series, but I somehow read it first. And it’s been one of my favorite books ever since. The only real quarrel I have with the story is that the magic system is very much a hard magic system… to the point where math is involved—sometimes in great detail. In fact, at any point the author goes into detail about anything, she goes into great detail, which really just kind of interrupts the flow of the story.
I always tend to skim through the more elaborate descriptions when they come along, but everything outside of that is wonderful. The Song, the side characters, the magic and danger of the sea, the build-up, the climax, and the resolution all fit snugly into place around the themes of sacrifice, friendship, and family. If you are looking for a book that will beautifully haunt you long after you’ve turned the final page… this is the one.
